Inspiring dreams is what Jacquie Warda is all about

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Civic Chronicles and The Californian Media Group are proud to present "An Evening with Jacquie Warda: Women, Aviation and the Pursuit of Dreams."

Aerobatic pilot Jacquie Warda poses by her Extra 300 monoplane. Warda will be speaking at the National Steinbeck Center on Sept. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. Warda will be speaking to girls and women about pursuing their dreams of learning how to fly.(Photo: Provided)

Anyone that reads this column knows that I am pretty crazy about all things aircraft and airshows — in particular the California International Airshow Salinas, which is coming up Sept. 26-27 at the Salinas Municipal Airport.

This will be the show's 35th year.

The great thing about the Salinas Airshow is that it's a nonprofit institution staffed by nearly 1,000 community volunteers. The other great thing is that the show has donated nearly $9 million in proceeds back to local Salinas Valley charities over the years. Amazing.

While this year's show promises to be fun for everyone (see show lineup below), The Californian is busy preparing a very special program for all you moms, grandmoms and daughters and granddaughters out there.

On Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Civic Chronicles and The Californian Media Group are proud to present "An Evening with Jacquie Warda: Women, Aviation and the Pursuit of Dreams."

Warda is a nationally known aerobatic pilot who will be performing at this year's airshow. She's unusual because she got into the air show business at age 50 and brings a truly inspirational message about how girls and women can learn how to fly and explore new careers in aviation.

Warda's talk will be held at the National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St., Salinas. Parking is available next door in the municipal garage.

Attendance is free but seating is limited and by reservation only. Children and teenagers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To reserve seats, please email me at jemitchell@thecalifornian.com.

I'd like to thank Warda for making time for the presentation, and our great co-sponsors: the California International Airshow Salinas, the National Steinbeck Center and California State University, Monterey Bay.

Starting Tuesday — after the holiday — we will be giving out 400 free general admission tickets to this year's California International Airshow Salinas on Sept. 26-27.

The tickets are good either day — Saturday or Sunday — and we're distributing them through our friends at the Alisal Family Resource Center. They will be available on a first come, first served basis. Limit two tickets per family.

Civic Chronicles columnist Jeff Mitchell covers politics, government and life in the Salinas Valley on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Reach him at 831-754-4281 or email him at jemitchell@thecalifornian.com